• The 2025 PKN Women in Packaging Awards have once again shone a powerful spotlight on the exceptional women across every corner of the packaging value chain: (l-r) Viviana Vinci, Angela Spindler, Mejlina Tjoa, Supriya Suhale, Lindy Hughson (PKN), Jacky Nordsvan, Nadia Taylor, Zaidee Jackson, Sophie Sumner, Fiona MacLeod. [Image: Celebrate Photography]
    The 2025 PKN Women in Packaging Awards have once again shone a powerful spotlight on the exceptional women across every corner of the packaging value chain: (l-r) Viviana Vinci, Angela Spindler, Mejlina Tjoa, Supriya Suhale, Lindy Hughson (PKN), Jacky Nordsvan, Nadia Taylor, Zaidee Jackson, Sophie Sumner, Fiona MacLeod. [Image: Celebrate Photography]
  • Finalists Mejlina Tjoa and Savannah Murray of Orora, with Bryan McKay of Woolworths.
    Finalists Mejlina Tjoa and Savannah Murray of Orora, with Bryan McKay of Woolworths.
  • Yaffa Media's Kim Berry and finalist Trimatt's Mel McFarlane.
    Yaffa Media's Kim Berry and finalist Trimatt's Mel McFarlane.
  • Brenda Denbesten captivates the crowded room at PKN Women in Packaging 2025.
    Brenda Denbesten captivates the crowded room at PKN Women in Packaging 2025.
  • Fireside chat with Nadia Taylor, winner of the 2025 Women in Packaging Hall of Fame Award.
    Fireside chat with Nadia Taylor, winner of the 2025 Women in Packaging Hall of Fame Award.
  • Lindy Hughson, Viviana Vinci, Nerida Kelton
    Lindy Hughson, Viviana Vinci, Nerida Kelton
  • Amcor's table of amazing Women in Packaging finalists with HR director Shane Power.
    Amcor's table of amazing Women in Packaging finalists with HR director Shane Power.
  • Jasmine Medwell, Woolworths Group and Jacky Nordsvan, Nestle.
    Jasmine Medwell, Woolworths Group and Jacky Nordsvan, Nestle.
  • Keynote speaker Brenda Denbesten delivers her words of wisdom about confidence, courage, community.
    Keynote speaker Brenda Denbesten delivers her words of wisdom about confidence, courage, community.
  • Capturing the celebratory spirit: Women in Packaging judge Pippa Corry and finalist Belinda Chellingworth.
    Capturing the celebratory spirit: Women in Packaging judge Pippa Corry and finalist Belinda Chellingworth.
  • Finalists applauded: Women in Packaging Awards 2025
    Finalists applauded: Women in Packaging Awards 2025
  • Susan, Claire and Aleks Lajovic representing Impact International
    Susan, Claire and Aleks Lajovic representing Impact International
  • Tony Bertrand and award-winning Zaidee Jackson, Ball & Doggett
    Tony Bertrand and award-winning Zaidee Jackson, Ball & Doggett
  • The Beckhoff Automation contingent celebrate Supriya Suhale's success.
    The Beckhoff Automation contingent celebrate Supriya Suhale's success.
  • Rising stars: Dr Ruby Chan and Mel Nguyen, both finalists at this year's Women in Packaging awards.
    Rising stars: Dr Ruby Chan and Mel Nguyen, both finalists at this year's Women in Packaging awards.
  • Finalists Chloe Rose (left) and Belinda Chellingworth (right) with Prof Simon Lockrey.
    Finalists Chloe Rose (left) and Belinda Chellingworth (right) with Prof Simon Lockrey.
  • APCO's Sandra Dal Maso with award winner Viviana Vinci
    APCO's Sandra Dal Maso with award winner Viviana Vinci
  • Nestle celebrates! Margaret Stuart, award-winner Jacky Nordsvan, and Sally Strautins.
    Nestle celebrates! Margaret Stuart, award-winner Jacky Nordsvan, and Sally Strautins.
  • Judge Marissa Altmeier of Pernod Ricard Australia with finalist Fonny Chang of Woolworths.
    Judge Marissa Altmeier of Pernod Ricard Australia with finalist Fonny Chang of Woolworths.
  • Yaffa Media also marked 100 years on the day. MD Tracy Yaffa (centre) addressed the audience. She's pictured here with Lindy Hughson (left) and Sharon Amos (right).
    Yaffa Media also marked 100 years on the day. MD Tracy Yaffa (centre) addressed the audience. She's pictured here with Lindy Hughson (left) and Sharon Amos (right).
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The 2025 PKN Women in Packaging Awards, presented in Sydney today, have once again shone a powerful spotlight on the exceptional women driving progress, innovation, and impact across every corner of the packaging value chain.

Now in its second year, the program has grown in significance, not just as a celebration, but as a movement – one that recognises the value of visibility, champions inclusivity, and reaffirms the industry’s commitment to elevating women’s contributions. With an outstanding response from across the sector and a judging panel tasked with reviewing a high calibre of nominations, this year’s finalists and winners represent leadership, excellence and purpose in action.

The winners were revealed at a lunchtime ceremony that brought together industry peers, mentors and advocates to honour the achievements of the 2025 finalists and award recipients.

The 2025 winners are:

Hall of Fame: Nadia Taylor, co-founder and director, TNA Solutions
Innovation Champion: Mejlina Tjoa, Orora
Design & Branding Excellence: Angela Spindler, Depot Creative
Packaging Technology Leader: Viviana Vinci, APCO
Communications & Marketing Excellence: Zaidee Jackson, Ball & Doggett & Sophie Sumner, Sealed Air
Manufacturing Leader: Fiona MacLeod, Visy
STEM Explorer: Supriya Suhale, Beckhoff Automation Australia
Sustainability Leader: Jacky Nordsvan, Nestlé

Lindy Hughson, PKN publisher and managing editor, addressing the crowd at the 2025 Women in Packaging Awards.
Lindy Hughson, PKN publisher and managing editor, addressing the crowd at the 2025 PKN Women in Packaging Awards.

PKN publisher and managing editor Lindy Hughson, who created and leads the awards program, described the event as a deeply meaningful initiative that continues to gain momentum: “These women are not looking for special treatment or asking for special consideration – they are simply doing their jobs, and doing them exceptionally well. Recognising them publicly matters because it empowers, it inspires, and it starts to shift the narrative around who gets to lead and succeed in our industry.”

Reflecting on the journey since the inaugural event last year, Hughson added, “Launching this program has been one of the most rewarding chapters in my career. Speaking with the finalists, visiting them in their workplaces, sharing their stories in PKN and on our podcast – it has shown me just how much talent, drive and purpose exists among the women in this industry. And this is only the beginning.”

A special thanks was extended to the judging panel, whose dedication, insight and rigour ensured the credibility and integrity of the awards, and to the sponsors whose ongoing support makes the program possible.

As Hughson noted in her closing remarks, the awards are more than a single-day celebration – they are a call to action for the entire industry: “When we lift women up, we raise the standard for the whole industry. Let’s carry this energy forward – into our workplaces, our conversations, and our leadership.”

Congratulations once again to all the winners and finalists of the 2025 PKN Women in Packaging Awards, and thank you to the sponsors for making the program and the event possible.

The winners were revealed at a lunchtime ceremony that brought together industry peers, mentors and advocates to honour the achievements of the 2025 finalists and award recipients.
The winners were revealed at a lunchtime ceremony that brought together industry peers, mentors and advocates to honour the achievements of the 2025 finalists and award recipients.

Food & Drink Business

Maxum Foods says the appointment of Adrian Lochland as the company’s first CEO is a significant milestone in the company’s growth and evolution. Lochland has been at Maxum since 2021 as executive general manager of its Animal Nutrition division.

Australia has earned its stripes as a nation of committed snackers, but this love affair with snacks isn’t without its quirks. Mintel Food & Drink associate director, Cormac Henry, says its research shows while Australians are chasing healthier options, cravings for indulgent treats remains strong. 

Bega Groups says following a 12-month review, the lack of a buyer and ongoing annual operating losses of $5-10 million are behind its decision to wind down and close peanut processing business, Peanut Company of Australia (PGA). Bega acquired the company in 2017.